The Story of Monro and Ormiston, the Edinburgh Executioners

In 17th-century Scotland, justice was often harsh, swift, and public. One of the key figures in administering that justice was the town executioner, a position both feared and reviled. Among the many stories of Scottish executioners, the tale of Monro, the executioner of Edinburgh, and his successor, George Ormiston, stands out for its unexpected twist of humanity in a brutal era. In this post, we’ll explore the curious case of Monro’s downfall, his successor’s surprising background, and how their stories reflect the complex relationship between law, punishment, and compassion in early modern Scotland.

Monro’s Downfall: A Surprising Act of Brutality

The position of executioner was one of low regard in Scottish society. Executioners were responsible for carrying out capital punishments, administering public floggings, and enforcing various forms of corporal punishment. Given the brutal nature of their work, they were often isolated from the rest of the community, living on the fringes of society. However, their power was absolute when it came to meting out punishment.